A phase I, dose-escalation study of the novel Polo-like kinase inhibitor volasertib (BI 6727) in patients with advanced solid tumours

This first-in-man trial demonstrated a favourable PK profile of volasertib, with manageable toxicities. As expected, the most common events were haematological. Encouraging preliminary antitumour activity has been observed, supporting Plk inhibition as a therapeutic approach. Clinical development of volasertib in phase II monotherapy and combination trials is ongoing.